Ambassador Manisha Gunasekera and staff of the Sri Lanka Embassy in France participated in the annual commemoration of ‘The Arhat Sanghamitta Day’ organized by the International Buddhist Centre in Paris, under the aegis of its Chief Incumbent and the Chief Sangha Nayaka of France, The Most Venerable Parawahera Chandraratana Thero, on 07 December 2025.
Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador welcomed the commemoration of Arhat Sanghamitta Day, noting that the Arhat Theri’s arrival in Sri Lanka marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, the Buddha Sasana, and Buddhist civilisation and culture in the world. The Ambassador further highlighted the contribution of women on the Bikkhuni order, on the evolution of Buddhist culture in Sri Lanka, and its influence on Asia.
Venerable Chandaratana Thero highlighted the global significance of the arrival of Arhat Sanghamitta in the island, and in the establishment of the Bikkhuni sasana in Sri Lanka. He also elaborated on its pervasive civilisational influence on the nation’s development and in the empowerment of women.
Mme Veronique Crombe of the Musee Guimet elaborated on the historical significance of the arrival of The Arhat Sanghamitta in Sri Lanka from a global perspective. She also provided insights into the Buddhist and diplomatic links that existed between ancient India and Lanka during the period of Emperor Asoka, which led to the two historic spiritual missions of Arhat Thero Mahinda and Arhat Theri Sanghamitta.
In a gesture symbolising unity, mutual respect and shared values that bind Buddhist traditions across the world, the event also included the donation of a sacred Bo sapling to Zen Master Luc Charles of Zen Dojo in Paris by the International Buddhist Centre. The commemoration of the Sanghamitta Day contributed towards the strengthening of cultural relations between Sri Lanka and France. Devotees from Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Sri Lanka participated in this important annual ceremony.
